Richard F. Kirchhoff

Waterford - Richard F. Kirchhoff of Quaker Hill, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013.

Richard was born the son of Calvin E. and Carolyn (Robertson) Kirchhoff on Oct. 8, 1921, in the Old Home Hospital on Pequot Ave., New London. He attended local schools and also attended Chapman Technical High School in New London, and was employed at Electric Boat as a shipfitter. Richard retired from Union Sheet Metal Works of New London in 1985.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he joined the U.S. Navy as a submarine auxiliaryman and served on the USS Sperry in the Pacific during World War II.

He was a life member and chief of the Quaker Hill Fire Department for 11 years. He was also a president of the New London County Fire Chiefs Association, a life member of the Oxoboxo Lodge of Masons #116, and a 52-year member of Sphinx Shriners. He was given a certificate of appreciation for serving 63 years as a volunteer fireman and also received the same from the First Selectman of Waterford.

Richard met S. Elizabeth "Bette" Sizer, and they were married in 1938, in Keene, N.H.

He enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife, Bette, in their motor home. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed playing baseball and going to the racetrack.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Calvin and Carolyn Kirchhoff; wife, Bette Kirchhoff; sister, Alma Brouwer; nephew, Calvin Brouwer; and great-grandson, Richard Bronson.

He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Barbara Michonski; sons, Richard T. Kirchhoff, and Craig R. and his wife, Gayle Kirchhoff, all of Quaker Hill, 10 grandchildren, Eddie, Sandy, Kevin, Ricky, Richard, Kimberly, Michael, Craig, Kathie, Chrissy, and their spouses; as well as 18 great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives; a host of friends, in particular, his neighbor, Vicki Mather of Quaker Hill.

Richard will be missed dearly by all of his family and friends whose lives he touched so deeply. His zest for life, contagious smile, and loving personality will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Quaker Hill Baptist Church, 144 Old Norwich Road, Quaker Hill.

In lieu of flowers, his family has requests that donations in his memory be directed to the Quaker Hill Fire Dept., 17 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, or the Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, 339 Flanders Road, Suite 215, East Lyme, CT 06333.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign his guest book, or to share a memory.